Thailand’s Mu Ko Ang Thong National Marine Park is a very popular day trip from the near islands of Koh Samui or Koh Phangan. Leaving from the latter, most other passengers on my speedboat tour were surprised that accommodation is available on the largest of the 42 islands that make up this beautiful archipelago.

Here’s how you can stay the night and wake up on a stunning deserted island – minus National Park employees and playful monkeys! For more information on what’s included on the day trip and how to book, check out my post on Mu Ko Ang Thong National Marine Park Day Trip!

 

How To Book Mu Ko Ang Thong National Marine Park Accommodation

While the main island, Ko Wua Talap is busy during the day, there are a total of six bungalows and quite a few tents which can be rented from the Park Headquarters. However, depending on the season, booking can be a little time-consuming!

I stayed overnight in Mu Ang Thong National Marine Park in low season, or “monsoon season” as it is affectionately known. Because this time of year isn’t overly busy, I didn’t need to book ahead. In fact, there was no other tourist on the island after the day trip boats left.

However, booking is definitely recommended to guarantee your cottage. If you’d rather tent it on the other hand, you shouldn’t need to book in advance at all. A bungalow will cost 600 Baht ($20 USD) for the whole cabin (bedroom with a bathroom and “entry” sitting area), while a 2-person tent will only set you back 250 Baht ($8.30). You are also allowed to bring your own tent to use to ensure you’re not out of luck by the time you arrive.

Booking does require a little effort to ensure your bungalow. The official website: http://www.angthongmarinepark.com/activities/staying-at-angthong-park/ gives simple steps to follow to book through the Thai Government website and instructions on how to process payment.

 

Mu Ko Ang Thong National Marine Park Facilities

Ko Wua Talap is the largest island in the marine park, but don’t go expecting luxury, especially overnight. The facilities are basic. Personally, I think it adds to the appeal of the place, but just so you know what to expect, here’s a few bits of information.

The island has no hot water, other than what’s boiled for tea/coffee etc.

At 11 pm the electrical generator is switched off, so there isn’t any power after then. Make sure to charge batteries/phones, etc. that you might need beforehand. Especially that camera!

There are no ATMs on the island. At all. Withdrawing enough cash prior to getting on that boat is essential.

There is one little snack shop that sells..well snacks. And drinks such as beer, water, fresh coconuts, etc. For meals such as dinner, there is only one restaurant on the island (you can’t really miss it…). It is surprisingly reasonably priced for how isolated the island it is.

The bungalow beds are pretty much what I expected, not amazing comfort, but I’ve definitely have slept on worse!

 

How To Get To And From Mu Ko Ang Thong National Marine Park

Now that you have your reservation all sorted, the next obstacle is getting to and from the lovely island of Ko Wua Talap. The easiest and most cost-effective way is by a tour. These tours, run by a large number of companies on both Koh Samui and Koh Phangan are how day-trippers visit the island and the Marine Park Mu Ko Ang Thong. However, a little more organization is required, as staying the night isn’t part of a day trip. It is easily set up, you just need to make them aware of your intentions beforehand.

After your overnight stay is done it’s even possible to get dropped off on a different island that you set off from. For example, I left Koh Phangan, visited Mu Ko Ang Thong  National Marine park overnight, and got dropped off to Koh Samui the next day.  Most companies operate on both islands, and making it possible to avoid doubling back is a huge bonus to continue on with your trip – Once again, it is recommended to arrange this before you start the day trip though.

Day trips from the islands leave early in the morning and usually provide pick up from neighboring hostels. Note that pick up on the return leg of the tour, whichever island you are returning to, departure time is around 3 pm from the main beach on Koh Wua Talap.

Just so you’re aware, there is around a 1000 Baht ($33 USD) surcharge from the tour company to allow you to return on a different day from the Marine Park.

 

Why Stay Overnight On Mu Ko Ang Thong National Marine Park

There’s a lot to organize and think about, so why bother staying overnight? Trust me, it’s totally worth it. Let me explain why it is though.

My favorite thing to do on the island simply watched the contrast of people on the beach from midday (when the day trippers crowded the beach) to around 3-330pm when the boats started to leave the golden sands. It went from chaotic and loud to peaceful and tranquil in a matter of minutes. It was surreal.

With that being said, during the hours the day trippers are here there are ways to escape them.

All of the attractions on the island aren’t really able to be visited on the short 90-minute schedule for the day trips. You would have to limit yourself to choosing just one or two if you do not stay overnight.

 

Things To Do On Mu Ko Ang Thong National Marine Park

Mirador Ko Wua Talap Viewpoint

The island’s most famous view is found at Mirador Ko Wua Talap Viewpoint, and it is simply stunning. Sudden outcroppings of lush green islands with few visible stretches of golden sands emerge from the endless expanse of glimmering teal waters. If you only visit one sight on the island, this should be it!

It is a steep ascent to the viewpoint, mostly stairs, but they can be a little uneven and require high steps to reach the top! You are given a beautiful view that makes up for all the sweat and exhaustion!

 

Bua Boke Cave Nature Trail

If you’re in search of a harder hike – verging on rock climbing – look no further.  Even more so than the above viewpoint, bring good shoes. You will need them for every step! The majority of the ~300m hike is completed via pulling yourself up tied off ropes, both up and down. It is not easy, it is exhausting, and medical assistance (short of a first aid kit) is decent boat ride away.

Upon entering Bua Boke Cave, the initial cavern opens up and every word echoes. Scrambling over giant boulders deeper into the cave is incredibly eerie, and totally worth it if you feel like a bit of a challenge. The trail begins on the main beach of Ko Wua Talap marked by unmissable signs.

 

Opposite Beach for Sunset

The main beach is where the tourist boats dock, and it is a beautiful and relaxing swim (when the island is yours that is), but a short jungle walk can find a much more secluded beach. Mosquitoes lurk under the shadows of the thick canopy. But the path at the back of the bungalows is the only land access to this stunning beach.

Once you get to the end of the trail on the North tip of the island, the jungle opens up onto a field before the beach ahead. There are a few little shacks where we met some locals – who I assume work at the marine park – live. They also have a couple little boats and would likely taxi you around to the main beach if you’re not up for the jungle walk back.

Even though they obviously have very little, a kind gesture of two small water bottles was given to us, without any payment expected. After chatting for a little, and enjoying a beautiful sunset, the jungle path was now pitch black. Bringing some form of torch in order to safely get back – the trail is very much a bush trail with tree roots sticking out as opposed to the more developed trails closer to the park headquarters.

This little beach is also filled with another type of local: tiny little crabs. These little guys are a little more cautious and scurry away when you get too close, but they are still fun to watch, especially as they playfully fought over fallen coconuts.

 

Mu Ko Ang Thong National Marine Park Information

Many companies offer the day trip tours to visit and stay Mu Ko Ang Thong National Park. Asking any company at the docks at either Koh Samui or Koh Phangan is the best way to set up the tour. I went with a company called Safari Boat, right next to the pier of Koh Phangan, and can recommend them.

 

Mu Ko Ang Thong National Marine Park Tips

For what’s included in the day trip side of visiting this beautiful area of Thailand, check out my post on day trip visit to Mu Ko Ang Thong National Marine Park. For other southern Thailand gems to visit, Diving on Koh Tao or hiking to the island’s lighthouse are both great activities. Or visiting the paradise of Phi Phi Island where diving and beautiful sights are abundant.

My overnight visit was in monsoon season, and it lived up to its name. It poured viciously for a couple of hours in the evening. Staying in a tent would have been less fun if everything was soaked!

Wildlife, other than crabs, can be a little dangerous on the island. Monkeys frequent the island, and while they are playful they can turn aggressive if they feel threatened or want to appear more dominant. They are wild animals and should be treated as such – by giving them space and respect their environment. While I was there, I encountered one snake. I don’t think they are too dangerous, but air on the side of caution!

Smaller luggage is preferred on the speedboats as space is limited. They are fine with larger luggage if staying the night though.

There is a small visitor center on Ko Wua Talap that has a few exhibits worth checking out! They can store your backpack after you check out of the bungalow so you can still enjoy a full day of activities before you leave around 3 pm.

If time permits, staying a second night on Ko Wua Talap would allow more time for other activities around the island. Kayaks are available for hire and plenty of beautiful beaches to visit in the area.

Check out this resource for some fantastic tips to stay healthy while on the road!

 

Video on visiting Koh Wua Talap and Mu Ko Ang Thong in Thailand

Here’s a short video on exploring the national marine park in Thailand, mainly Ko Wua Talap Island as that is where the only accommodation in the park is. It can be a little effort to get to and from Ko Wua Talap, but it is totally worth it to spend a night on this picturesque island, meet friendly locals and hear the monkeys playing in the early morning light.

If you enjoyed this video, please like and subscribe to my Youtube channel for more great videos.

 

Mu Ko Ang Thong National Marine Park Highlights

-Watch the beach drain away it’s day-tripping tourists and become empty around 4 pm.

-Waking up to monkeys playing and making so much joy-filled noise.

-Activities on the island are rewarding and worthwhile, as long as you have the time.

 

Have you visited Mu Ko Ang Thong National Marine Park? Did you love it as much as I did? As always, questions and comments are more than welcome below!

 

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